Other Addictions

The term addiction may also be applied to compulsions that are not substance related, such as problem gambling, sex addiction and technology addiction. In these kinds of common usages, the term addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in a specific activity, despite harmful consequences including a detrimental impact on individual health, mental state or social life.

Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT) at Broadreach House provides a step-by-step way to stop compulsive behaviours and change an individual’s perceptions. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy can help an individual learn healthier ways of coping with uncomfortable emotions, such as stress, anxiety or depression .

The Broadreach House CBT approach frequently utilizes skill-building techniques geared towards relapse prevention, assertiveness and refusal, problem solving and reinforcement of addiction-inconsistent activities and interests.

Individual counselling and structured group work, carried out by our experienced staff, can help an individual explore the issues surrounding their addictive behaviours.

Technology Addiction

The ease of access, anonymity, and the constant availability of the internet, email, texting, chatting and twittering has led to a new form of compulsive and dependent behaviour – technology addiction. The same neural pathways in the brain that reinforce dependence on substances can reinforce compulsive technology behaviours that can be just as addictive and potentially destructive. Technology addicts becomes conditioned to compulsively seek, crave and re-create the sense of elation experienced when acting out their addiction.

Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is an urge to continuously gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Pathological gambling is a common disorder that is associated with social costs, and family. The condition is classified as an impulse control disorder, although similarities exist with other disorders, it is particularly similar to substance addictions.

Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterised by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. The same compulsive that characterizes other addictions is also typical of sex addiction. The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behaviour acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self and others”. In other words, a sex addict will continue to engage in certain sexual behaviours despite facing potential health risks, financial problems, shattered relationships or even arrest.

At Broadreach House, staff are experienced in working with people with a range of addictions and compulsive behaviours. Our CBT and DBT informed approach has a proven track record in helping people to overcome their addictions and maintain long-term recovery.